Chris Colfer on Kurt's Love Life: We're Working On It

Chris Colfer, who plays Kurt Hummel on Glee, says he hopes his character will find love with Blaine, the handsome Warbler who sang the Katy Perry hit at the all-boys Dalton Academy.

"Kurt's in love with Blaine but it's not reciprocated," Colfer told PEOPLE at the Fox TCA party of the character played by Darren Criss. "But we're working on it. Seriously, he needs a romantic payoff."

On the show, which returns Jan. 18, Kurt also looks up to Blaine, whom Criss describes as "a strong, gay character" and an "out-and-proud teen."

And that might actually be more important than dating. "I want him to be happy," says Colfer, who's up for a Golden Globe on Sunday. "But I would also like Kurt to realize he doesn't have to have a relationship to be happy."